Built by Malaysian company Vitawani Shipbuilding, the new vessel has a V-shaped hull and is longer, heavier and wider than its predecessor. These features will substantially improve the vessel’s sea-keeping characteristics for travel across in the Bass Strait.

BIL intends John Duigan to sail southbound from Victoria once a week to King Island and then onto a northern Tasmanian port. Both the ports and the schedule will be announced before the John Duigan comes into service.

BIL is confident the new vessel will deliver a better and more reliable service for the King Island community.